Russell Westbrook might not have won any championships in Oklahoma City, but the point guard can look back to some of the most eventful moments, such as winning the 2017 MVP during his 11 years in Bricktown.
However, his off-the-court moments with reporters were filled with drama, most notably with reporter Berry Tramel. During the 2017 playoffs, Tramel made comments that agitated Westbrook. Their long-standing “beef” led many to believe something must have happened behind the scenes between the two. Why else would Russ show contempt for him publicly?
“The idea that Westbrook has some personal issue with me is misguided,” the reporter wrote on Oklahoman.com. “That’s not true. Westbrook’s issue is with the media in general. I don’t know from where his original distrust came, but I know he’s allowed it to fester over the years, with no guidance from Thunder officials. It’s too late – far too late – to do anything about it now.”
There was a particular moment that brought things to the surface. During the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 2017 first-round matchup against the Houston Rockets, Tramel questioned Steven Adams. Then, Westbrook intercepted the interaction by telling his teammate to pause before proceeding to address the reporter in a declamatory manner.